My first Chicago Metra ride LaSalle Street Station to Joliet Illinois

After attending 2015 Spring Midwest High Speed Rail Association Meeting – I decided to head to Joliet Illinois for evening. I didn’t think about it at the time – but I could have taken Amtrak Lincoln Service to Joliet. Amtrak Double Days is ongoing – I could have earned some quick points. My mind was to focused on riding Chicago Metra for first time ( March 21 2015 ).

I took a cab from hotel to LaSalle Street Station. Metra employee working counter was friendly and helpful. $8 Weekend Pass is definitely a bargain.

Joliet Metra station does not look open for all hours of operation on weekends. I did not easily see any ticket vending machines to make purchases. Luckily I had Weekend Pass purchased at LaSalle. Granted you can buy a ticket from conductor on train – that is supposed to incur an additional $3 charge.

As photos show – passenger cars are older rolling stock. Metra is overdue for some new equipment. Tracks didn’t offer smoothest ride – but not worst I have ever experienced. I think it would have been faster for me take Amtrak Lincoln Service to Joliet. I would have only had option of Metra to get back to Chicago at time of night I wanted to head back.

On ride home Quiet Car wasn’t an option – only guaranteed for weekday operations. Ride back to Chicago had me having to listen to other passengers choice of entertainment. Much like Amtrak conductors – Metra conductors could care less about politely asking riders to have consideration for others.